The shamelessly boastful Su Shiyu ran into her homeroom teacher halfway and was caught red-handed. Her desperate cries were heart-wrenching, yet it felt like she got exactly what she deserved.

Especially Qi Yan, who had tutored her for a year, knew all too well how tough this problem child was to handle.

Liu Qin knocked on the principal's office door. A robust "Come in!" echoed from inside.

She pushed the door open. The office faced the sun. Morning light streamed through the floor-to-ceiling window, bathing the room in warmth.

A gentle breeze carried fragrant osmanthus blossoms inside. The air was thick with their sweet scent.

The office was sparsely furnished. A standard desk stood in one corner. A minimalist modern tea set sat on the coffee table. Glass cabinets displayed folders and trophies. On the wall hung red honorary banners—awards like "Advanced Educational Unit of Daliang County" and "Outstanding Educator of Nanming City." But the earliest date on them was three years ago.

Qi Yan had expected a stout principal with a beer belly. Instead, he saw a tall man, half a head taller than himself, around 180 cm. His temples were streaked with gray. Deep wrinkles lined his eyes. Time had etched heavy marks on his face.

His face was chiseled. In his youth, he must have been a handsome man. But years of socializing had given him a slight paunch, his figure slightly out of shape.

"Principal Wu, I've brought them," Liu Qin said respectfully.

"Mr. Qi Yan and student Qi Ran, welcome to Eastgrain Middle School. I'm Wu Tongming, the principal." Wu Tongming shook Qi Yan's hand enthusiastically, showing no trace of formality.

"Hello, Principal Wu. On behalf of my sister, I send my regards," Qi Yan replied stiffly.

"I've learned about Qi Ran's situation from Comrade Liu Qin. I feel deeply sorry. With our joint efforts, things will improve. Eastgrain Middle School will admit Qi Ran unconditionally, waiving all tuition and textbook fees."

"Thank you very much."

"It's our duty. However, our school has limited resources. To give top students better education and help them get into ideal universities, we have one advanced class and five regular classes starting from grade ten. So, all new students take a short test before enrollment. But I guarantee, no matter the result, Qi Ran's admission won't be affected. If you prefer, she can skip it."

"No problem, let her take it! It's just a warm-up. High school is all about exams. Why fear a little test?"

Qi Yan and Qi Ran were prepared for the entrance exam. Especially for transfer students like this, skipping tests would be embarrassing.

Wu Tongming beamed as if he'd found a kindred spirit. He patted Qi Yan's shoulder. "You're absolutely right. Many just want to slack off. Without effort, how can there be good results? Xiao Liu, go to the grade ten office. Fetch this year's entrance test papers for Qi Ran."

"Got it, Principal Wu."

Liu Qin readily agreed. As she turned to leave, Qi Ran tugged at Qi Yan's sleeve.

Qi Yan turned. "What is it, Xiao Ran?"

Qi Ran wrote on her notebook: [Brother, I want to start directly in grade twelve.]

"Xiao Ran, that's a bit much..." Qi Yan whispered, quickly pressing down her notebook.

They were already lucky to get admission. Jumping straight to grade twelve was pushing it. Besides, the curriculum gap was a problem. No matter how strong her self-study skills, could she really fill two years' worth of gaps?

But the sharp-eyed Principal Wu Tongming had already glimpsed the words. "I thought Qi Ran communicated with sign language. Using writing is rare and novel. It makes her meaning clear even to those who don't know sign. So, skipping grades to take the college entrance exam next year?"

Wu Tongming instantly grasped Qi Ran's true intent. Rubbing his stubbled chin, he mused, "If nothing had happened, Qi Ran would be in grade twelve this year, right?"

"Yes."

"If her grades allow, it's not impossible. Science track or liberal arts?"

"Liberal arts."

Qi Yan had never seen his sister read physics, chemistry, or biology books.

"Liberal arts is manageable. Many students start working hard only in grade twelve and still do well. Let's give it a try. She might save two years. I happen to have last week's exam papers. Time is tight, so just the comprehensive liberal arts test. Xiao Liu, open the meeting room next door for the exam!"

Liu Qin took the keys, twirling them on her finger. She led Qi Ran to the adjacent room.

"Xiao Ran, don't push yourself. Even if you take the exam in three years, it's fine. We can wait. You don't need to get into a top university. Just choose a school and major you like." Qi Yan placed his hands on Qi Ran's shoulders. He didn't want her burdened with pressure. He just wanted her to adapt to school life.

[Brother, believe in me. I'm your pride and joy!]

Qi Ran waved her tiny fist, clutching her pencil case. With a confident smile, she strode into the meeting room.

The exam lasted two and a half hours. After handing out the papers, Liu Qin left the meeting room. She nudged Qi Yan back to the principal's office. "Now, it's your turn to perform, Xiao Yan."

"Senior, don't you need to proctor?"

Liu Qin wrapped her arms around Qi Yan's neck from behind, leaning her full weight on him. Her warm breath tickled his ear as she whispered, "No need! Right now, I'd rather do something more meaningful... like making you a real man."